At the 2008 New York International Auto Show, Kia Motor America has debuted the KOUP concept, which  illustrates the shape and development of next Kia vehicles and aggregates youthful exuberance with a flashy and glossy design.

Projected at the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Califorina, the Koup concept exemplifies the designing direction of the brand's next models, with a dynamic and smooth exterior design and a glossy and realistic interior.

Kia Koup Concept video at 2008 New York Auto Show

Kia KOUP's Exterior Design


Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept incarnates Kia’s doctrine of “Exciting and Enabling” with its poised fluid design set and proportions to evoke an excited driving experience.

The simple yet bold and pushing KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and glossy interior design.

“Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers.”

Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA said:  “The Kia KOUP concept makes up the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our basic philosophies”

Curb appeal begins with the KOUP’s poised proportions and fluid design. The front fascia’s form gives the vehicle a bold and aggressive stance from the tab-shaped and purposeful upper grille to the hi-tech and pragmatic headlamps.

As the KOUP’s general form is uncomplicated and accurate, it makes a design statement with favorable tension made by a “swoosh” that swoops from the “C” pillar forward, down to the “A” pillar and flares the whole way back around to the rear deck lid.

The rocker sill has a distinctive “check mark” shape and outstanding wheel flares that give the KOUP a strong, brought down stance.

The KOUP features an simple yet dynamic wedge shape along its sides stemming from its luminous, carbon fiber and dark chrome enhanced light-emitting diode lamp lenses.

Kia Koup - roof detailThe short overhangs and wide stance reflect its well-adjusted and tractable character.


A trailing horizontal lip along the deck lid tapers up toward the outer ends to meet up with the swoosh from the beltline.

To further the performance-inspired appearance with flashy elegance, carbon fiber enhancements accent the KOUP’s chin spoiler, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, lamp lenses, rear bumper insert and rear diffuser, while flashy twin wheel spokes include carbon fiber inserts paired with an open design to flash the Brembo® caliper and cross-drilled rotors.


One of the design elements is the greenhouse-integrated, bird's eye view glass with 2 panels extending from the windshield through the roof to the backlight, coming along as 2 parallel parts of glass – like a fighter jet cockpit.

Segregating the glass panels, an interior mood light runs the full length of the greenhouse.


 Kia KOUP's Interior


Craftily and with graphical preciseness, the KOUP’s interior hones in on the hopes of car enthusiasts from the inward lean of the Supervision control board and dashboard, enhancing the performance-inspired driving feel to the custom-designed, race-inspired steering wheel ahead of a three-gauge instrument cluster.

Audiophiles and auto enthusiasts  will be enjoyed of listening eight speakers, including large rear deck speakers matched to a juke box sound system, further harmonizing the driving experience.

Carbon fiber accents on the shifter plate and seat tilt-adjust mechanism reinforce sporty performance.

As a real driver’s automobile, the front seats contrast the rear seats with opposing colors and modeling and horizontal, padded silicone polymer bars occupy the seat backs for additional comfort.

A built-in Bluetooth®-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD) is simply the start of the telematics services.

Hi-tech details are incorporated into the interior, including handy smart key with push button start, and a six-speed automatic drive with steering column-mounted paddle shifters.

The KOUP features a realistic interior decoration that mixes high fashion materials, including rich and supple seat textiles accentuated with concrete- and black-color trims.



Kia KOUP’s technical features

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an autonomous front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an autonomous dual link rear suspension to allow the best balance of drive comfort and engine reactivity.

Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 HP paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOUP has amazing torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm.

By shooting fuel direct into the cylinder under high pressure using the Kia GDI system, the intake charge is chilled and combustion behavior is ameliorated. Improved combustion assures first-class fuel saving and low emissions. Lower grille openings enable extra air intake for additional power.


The safety characteristics include 6 regular airbags and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Electronic Stability Control (ESC) coupled with CDC assists to stabilize the KOUP for greatest contact with the pavement.

An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering mechanism adds the capstone for accurate handling. In keeping with the KOUP’s sporty essence, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for fast movements and sharp turns coupled with a sport-tuned, four-wheel autonomous suspension and strut tower bar offer a tighter grip for bouncier riding.

The big 245/40ZR19 tires concluded the KOUP’s package. Also included is adaptive front lighting and cruise control, adding to the KOUP’s progressive safety technology.

Kia KOUP’s Exterior Dimensions

    * Layout: 4-seater, front engine, transverse mounted
    * Overall Length: 176.5 ins/4485mm
    * Overall Width: 72.6 ins/1845mm
    * Overall Height: 56.2 ins/1428mm
    * Wheelbase: 104.3 ins/2650mm
    * Track Width: 60.5 ins/1536mm

Engine

    * Type: Theta II four-cylinder, 2.0-liter, twin scroll turbocharger with GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine
    * Power output: 290 hp
    * Torque: 289 lb.-ft. at 2,000 rpm – 4,000 rpm

Powertrain/Chassis

    * Transmission: Six-speed, automatic with steering-column mounted paddle shifters
    * Suspensions: Front: Four-wheel independent with MacPherson struts; Rear: Independent dual link
    * Wheels: 19-inch, twin five-spoke polished aluminum, with carbon fiber enhancements
    * Tires: 245/40ZR19
    * Brakes: Four-wheel disc with Brembo® calipers and cross-drilled rotors